Aussies Defeat Black Caps by 68 Runs in 1st ODI in Sydney

New Delhi, Monday, December 5 – At Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Sunday, December 4, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand who are on tour to Australia for 3-match ODI series.

Australian Playing XI was captained by Steven Smith. Those who were picked for the opening game were David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, George Bailey Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood. At the same time, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner and Hilton Cartwright were the cricketers in extra. New Zealand squad included Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, James Neesham, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Colin Munro, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Lachie Ferguson and Trent Boult. Those to sit on bench were Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee, Todd Astle.

The entire arrangements were properly done to host the match without any trouble and let people enjoy the game. The scoring pattern of at the venue for first Test describes that the average first inning score is 220, while average second inning score is 186. More to the point, the highest total is 408 that was set by South Africa vs. West Indies. The mammoth total was put only for the loss of five wickets. In contrast, the lowest total on the ground is 63 in 25.5 overs. It was the Indian side who got that when Australian bowlers restricted them at an impressive score through good bowling. Besides this, 334 runs were the highest chased by Australia in opposition to England, whereas the lowest defended was 101 by the home squad vs. West Indies.

Aussies win wasn’t expected after a weak start a day ago since Aaron Finch was dismissed by M Henry on a naught while facing his first delivery. Losing a wicket in the first over usually makes stress to come into picture. But Australian captain was in mood to play a wrong shot and give his wicket early. With David Warner, he did a small partnership of 46 runs. The opener was dismissed by Lachie Ferguson when he was playing at the score of 24 (4 x 4). George Bailey impressed to a certain extent with a six. However, his innings was short, in view of the fact that he succumbed to Neesham post contributing 17 runs in the team’s total score. Smith was eying a partnership but that did not come from Mitchell Marsh, who was run out thanks to quick fielding by Neesham. He could only score a single. Nonetheless, Travis Head did not disappoint. Before being caught & bowled by Boult when 42nd over was in progress, he played an innings of 52 runs in 60 balls, together with five boundaries.

Smith pocketed brilliant ton and played a memorable knock of 164 runs off 157 balls, with the help of 14 4s and four sixes. Boult earned his wicket as a result of a good catch by Munro. Matthew Wade added to the speed of scoring runs by playing an innings of 38 runs off 22 balls (4 x 1 and 6 x 3). The wicketkeeper-batsman of Australia was dismissed by Henry. Mitchell Starc was out by Neesham at 11 runs (4 x 2). Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa were not out 0 and 2 runs, respectively. Smith, Head and Cummins set foundation of their team’s victory as good score was put on the scoreboard. Confidence of the Australian was up given that they were playing in the home conditions. It went higher the moment Smith-led side put a total of 324 runs on the scoreboard in 50 overs for the loss of eight wickets.

New Zealand came under pressure as the bowlers and fielders could not limit them under 300. Since sharpness in bowling was also missed by the Kiwis, Aussies were able to utilize it and take lead of 1-0 in 3-match ODI series, putting the rivals in do or die situation. No good show from the New Zealand batsmen added to the problems. The opening batsman Tom Latham was sent back to the dressing room by Hazlewood at a score of 2. Kane Williamson also succumbed to the same bowler post getting 9 runs, which consisted of a couple of fours. Martin Guptill and James Neesham brought required stability for the travellers. The two weaved a partnership of 92 runs. It was broken by Starc after Neesham played a shot that made the ball get into the hands of Hazlewood. He scored 34 runs off 36 balls, including five boundaries.

BJ Watling could not read a delivery by Mitchell Marsh and went back to the pavilion post scoring 6 runs off 13 balls. New Zealand were under the pump as soon as substitute Maxwell was dismissed at the score of 114 runs off 102 balls by Zampa. His innings was studded with 10 boundaries and six biggies. Soon after his dismissal, Zampa got wicket of Mitchell Santner, who could not open his account. Colin de Grandhomme was lbw by Hazlewood at 6 runs, which comprised a four. Colin Munro was trying to keep things on track but cricket being a team game, he could not help the team avoid the looming defeat. A few overs after Pat Cummins got the wicket of Matt Henry, who scored 27 runs facing only 15 balls (4 x 4 and 6 x 1), he dismissed Munro as well when the batsman was one run away from getting a half century.

Lachie Ferguson’s wicket in the pocket of Mitchell Marsh on a naught brought huge smile on the face of Australian players as they won by 68 runs. Trent Boult was not out at 1 run. It will be crucial for the New Zealand cricketers to come up with a working solution at Manuka Oval in Canberra if they want to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Here is to mention that it is not for the first time when the Black Caps are facing up and down situation. Even during the Test and ODI matches against India a few months ago, pressure was on them due to big wins by the Men in Blue. But each series is different. Williamson-led side has the potential to overcome unwanted stress and go for a fresh start in 2nd ODI. Audience strength was good a day ago is likely to remain as it is in future contests too.

Smith was declared Man of the Match and would wish to keep on doing his bit. Aussies tasted success and this is probable to forget the series loss against South Africa in the recent past. Since they ended series thrashing Proteas by seven wickets in the final match, winning momentum helped them stay confident. All eyes are on next match that will be played on Tuesday, December 6. Here is to mention that a victory by bigger margin is always ample to spur cricketers who eye excellence further. ODI is a totally different format from the Test. The visiting squad would like to bounce back in the Australian conditions. Now, next One Day International match between Australia and New Zealand would decide whether the hosts enjoy another victory or the guests save series with a win.

The fans of New Zealand do not want that series is lost when most of the players in their camp are capable of delivering their best. Kiwis house the potential to be on the victorious end. Not to forget that the visiting squad may manage to gain pace bit by bit and put forward some indescribable play. A few players from New Zealand can make sure to send the ball towards the fences whenever possible and let Australian players do some running on the field over and over again. Perhaps, best is yet to come. After all, cricket is enjoyed for its uncertainty. In the meantime, only a day is left for the 2nd ODI to start. Players of both sides would want to get geared up to send rivals in the tough situations. Viewers will hope for weather to remain good as no interruption is liked when the match is in progress.